All the broadcasting software below runs on Windows and can connect to your CloudRadio station or hosted radio. Each link takes you to a step-by-step setup guide.
Need your connection details first? See Broadcasting Live.
Free Software
These are completely free to download and use.
| Software | Server Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BUTT | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Lightweight encoder, great starting point |
| Mixxx | Icecast & SHOUTcast | Full DJ software with built-in streaming |
| Altacast | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Standalone encoder, fork of Edcast |
| Virtual DJ 8 | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Free for home use, paid for pro features |
| Winamp Edcast | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Winamp plugin |
| Winamp SHOUTcast DSP | SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Official SHOUTcast plugin for Winamp |
Commercial Software
These require a license or offer a paid upgrade from a trial.
| Software | License | Server Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RadioBOSS | Trial & Commercial | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Full automation suite |
| PlayIt Live | Commercial | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Playout and automation |
| Rocket Broadcaster | Free & Pro ($49) | Icecast & SHOUTcast | Simple, focused encoder |
| SAM Cast | Commercial | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Encoder from Spacial Audio |
| NextKast | Trial & Commercial | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Automation and streaming |
| ProppFrexx | Commercial (from €99) | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Professional radio playout |
| PlayoutONE | Commercial | Icecast & SHOUTcast | Broadcast automation |
| Station Playlist Studio | Commercial (from $135) | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Long-running automation tool |
| RadioCaster | Commercial | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Multi-server streaming |
| mAirList | Commercial (from $375) | Icecast & SHOUTcast | Professional radio automation |
| Jazler RadioStar | Commercial (€675) | Icecast, SHOUTcast 1 & 2 | Full-featured radio automation |
| MB Studio | Paid with demo | Icecast & SHOUTcast | Italian radio automation suite |
| OtsAV Radio | Requires license (30-day trial) | SHOUTcast (may need external encoder) | DJ and automation |
DJ Software (Needs External Encoder)
These are DJ mixing applications. They don’t stream directly. Pair them with BUTT or Windows Audio Routing to route their output to your server.
| Software | License |
|---|---|
| Virtual DJ 7 | Commercial |
| Cross DJ | Free & Commercial |
| Serato DJ | Commercial |
| Traktor | Commercial ($129 CAD) |
Routing System Audio
Not a standalone app, but a technique guide for capturing audio from any Windows application:
Recommended for Beginners
If you’re just getting started, try BUTT. It’s free, lightweight, and works with every CloudRadio setup. For a free DJ experience with built-in streaming, try Mixxx.
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